August 20th 2024.
In the past three decades, Manchester, like many other cities in Britain, has undergone a remarkable transformation. This is largely due to the influx of investments from various industries such as business, culture, sports, and urban redevelopment. As someone who hasn't visited the city in 20 years, I was taken aback by the towering skyscrapers that now dominate the city's skyline as I approached. It was clear that things have changed for the better in this northern powerhouse, as I would soon discover during my weekend visit.
We stayed at The Alan, a strategically located hotel that served as an ideal base for exploring the city. The hotel itself is a beautiful six-story former warehouse that dates back almost 150 years. Its modern and striking interior design pays homage to its industrial past, making for a unique and stylish atmosphere. The lobby is a spacious and welcoming area, with the main restaurant on one side, boasting an open theatre kitchen, and a chic bar on the other. During the day, the space is flooded with natural light, while at night, warm ambient lighting creates a cozy atmosphere. Throughout our stay, both the restaurant and bar were bustling with activity, which is always a good sign.
The lobby also serves as a relaxed meeting and waiting area, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee and people-watching, as is often the case with interesting hotels. The hotel's central location meant that we were able to walk to most places during our stay. Right across the street from the hotel is the Manchester Art Gallery, and within a 5-10 minute walk, we found ourselves in Chinatown, the Gay Village, the Arndale Center, St Peter's Square, Bridgewater Hall, and countless retail outlets to fulfill any shopping cravings.
Our room was a spacious corner suite with beautiful curved windows that offered a stunning view of busy Princess Street and the Manchester Art Gallery. Thanks to the triple glazed windows and thick industrial walls, the room was soundproof, and the floor-to-ceiling curtains effectively blocked out any light, allowing for a peaceful night's sleep. The room itself was designed with a modern and stylish aesthetic, featuring exposed brickwork, high open ceilings, and unique touches like individually hand-painted enamel bedside lights, reclaimed marble surfaces, and a gold-gilded basin island. The wooden floors and modern rugs added a touch of warmth, and the minimalistic yet practical furniture made for a clutter-free living space. Despite the hot weather during our visit, the room's air conditioning was virtually silent, a small but essential detail that made a huge difference.
The hotel's individual and unique aesthetic sets it apart from other high-end hotels, with a fresh, funky, and fun vibe. One of the highlights of our stay was dining at the hotel's restaurant, where the head chef prepared an exceptional meal right in front of us. The food was delicious, and the service was attentive. On our second night, we ventured into Chinatown, just a stone's throw away, for an authentic and lively meal. Manchester is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a diverse range of bars and clubs that cater to all tastes, from cool and trendy to old school. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it within walking distance of the hotel. The lively atmosphere of Oldham Street, just a short walk away, was a testament to the city's vibrant nightlife, with long queues outside the bars and clubs.
For a cultural experience, we visited The Lowry, a stunning modern building made of steel and concrete that houses a fascinating collection from Manchester's most famous artist, L.S. Lowry. On the day of our visit, there was even a water polo competition taking place in one of the canal basins, a testament to the city's clean urban water system. Throughout our stay, the staff at The Alan took excellent care of us. They were smart, well-trained, polite, and discreet, making a positive impact on our entire hotel experience.
As someone who usually heads north for a weekend getaway, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience in Britain's second city, Manchester. I will definitely be back. If you're planning a trip to Manchester, I highly recommend staying at The Alan. You won't be disappointed. The hotel's address is 18 Princess St, Manchester M1 4LG. For more reviews, click here. And don't forget to subscribe to the latest issue of Scottish Field.
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